Top Five Places to Visit on a Trip Between Charnwood and Derby
Are you planning an adventure between Charnwood and Derby? Whether you're a local or a tourist, this trip has a lot to offer. Get your cameras ready for some fantastic views, historical landmarks, and delicious local cuisines. Here's our top five list of the best places to visit on a trip between Charnwood and Derby.
The Route and Halfway Point, Loughborough, LEC
Before we start our top five list, we should mention the route and the halfway point between Charnwood and Derby. The route is straightforward and takes around thirty to forty minutes of a car journey, depending on traffic. And the halfway point is Loughborough, LEC, which is a vibrant, lively town with a rich history and lots of attractions for visitors.
1. Bradgate Park: A Historical Landmark with Breath-Taking Views
Bradgate Park is a must-visit destination on your trip between Charnwood and Derby. This park has it all – from historical landmarks to breath-taking views. The park is a vast open space with rivers, lakes, ruins, and wildlife to explore. If you're interested in history, Bradgate Park is where Lady Jane Grey spent her last days before she was executed. Be sure to take a stroll to Old John, a limestone hill with a distinctive tower. The views from the top of Old John are stunning, and you'll get a 360-degree panorama of the park and beyond.
2. Calke Abbey: A Hidden Gem with Stunning Interiors
Calke Abbey is an impressive baroque mansion with beautiful interiors and gardens. The mansion is a hidden gem, and it took us by surprise how stunning it was. It's a unique glimpse into 300 years of history, family tales, and secret rooms that tell extraordinary stories about the people who lived there. The house itself is encased by acres of gardens, parkland, and a deer park. We enjoyed the Colonel's Study, the Venetian Bedroom, and the Red Dining Room, which are all open to visitors. However, we advise you to check their opening times in advance, as they may change due to the current pandemic.
3. Derby Museum and Art Gallery: A Cultural Experience
Are you an art lover? Or, you want to learn more about local history and natural history? The Derby Museum and Art Gallery is an ideal destination for you. The museum has a comprehensive collection of world-class paintings, artifacts, and exhibits that span from the prehistoric era to contemporary times. We loved the Joseph Wright Gallery, which showcased Wright's awe-inspiring artwork, whose reputation lives on as one of Derby's most famous sons.
4. Kedleston Hall: A Georgian Mansion with an Incredible Parkland
If you're a fan of architecture, Kedleston Hall is a destination worth visiting. This 18th-century mansion is an architectural marvel, designed by Robert Adam with insights from the family who lived here. The house itself is vast and beautifully decorated, with hallways lined with Greek and Roman statues, fireplaces, and frescoes. The parkland surrounding the house is vast and serene, with a lake, woods, and rolling hills. We enjoyed getting lost in nature and spotting wildlife like deer and ducks.
5. Derby Cathedral: A Beautiful Place of Worship and History
We end our top five list with the Derby Cathedral, a beautiful place of worship and history. The cathedral is a prominent landmark in Derby and a breathtaking example of gothic architecture. We recommend taking a guided tour to appreciate the intricate decoration and stained-glass windows that are simply stunning. The cathedral has a rich history that dates back to the 10th century, and you'll learn about the legacy of the people who built it, from bishops to royals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this trip between Charnwood and Derby is full of hidden gems, breathtaking views, and historic landmarks that are worth exploring. Whether you're a tourist or a local, there's always something new and exciting to explore on this route. We hope you enjoyed our top five list of the best places to visit, and please let us know if there's anything else you'd include on this list. Safe travels.